Raytheon and Diehl Defence to Boost Stinger Missile Production in Europe

Capacity for the surface-to-air system Raytheon and Diehl Defence to Boost Stinger Missile Production in Europe

2025-08-21 Source: Press release 1 min Reading Time

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US defense giant Raytheon and Germany’s Diehl Defence have agreed to co-produce key components of the Stinger missile in Europe. The partnership is designed to expand global production capacity as NATO allies increase investment in short-range air defense systems.

The Stinger missile is a lightweight, combat-proven and self-contained air defense system deployed by ground troops against cruise missiles and aircraft.(Source: RTX) — The Stinger missile is a lightweight, combat-proven and self-contained air defense system deployed by ground troops against cruise missiles and aircraft.
(Source: RTX)

Raytheon, part of US defense group RTX, and Germany’s Diehl Defence have signed a memorandum of understanding to co-produce elements of the Stinger missile in Europe. The move aims to expand global capacity for the surface-to-air system, which has seen surging demand since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The Stinger, used by 24 countries including Germany and nine other NATO members, has become a central element of Europe’s short-range air defense.

We are seeing historically high demand for Stinger because of its unrivaled effectiveness against a variety of short-range threats.

Tom Laliberty, president of Land & Air Defense Systems at Raytheon

Diehl Defence, which already produces a range of ground-based air defense systems, will integrate Stinger production into its facilities in Germany and is exploring options to further expand capacity.

Relaunching production for Stinger missiles builds on our proven capabilities and fits seamlessly with our position in the European defense market.

Helmut Rauch, CEO of Diehl Defence

The system, first deployed in the 1980s but regularly upgraded, is designed to counter aircraft and cruise missiles. Raytheon has continued to refine its guidance and control systems, ensuring what the company calls “an operational edge” for NATO forces.

The agreement underlines Europe’s growing role in transatlantic defense production as governments scale up rearmament plans. For RTX, the world’s largest aerospace and defense company, the deal strengthens its foothold in Europe while helping NATO allies reduce dependence on US-based production. kib

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